Chrysler Pentastar V-6 engine

Chrysler Pentastar V-6 engine

Chrysler is revamping its powertrain lineup with technology the automaker claims will help contribute to an overall fuel efficiency improvement of more than 25 percent during the 2010-2014 period. In fact, by 2014, more than 80 percent of Chrysler’s current powertrain lineup will have undergone a complete makeover.

One of the highlights of Chrysler's high efficiency powertrain lineup is the all-new Pentastar V-6 engine, currently available in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and soon the 2011 Dodge Challenger as well. But the current 3.6-liter mill is just the first of a family of engines Chrysler is planning around the Pentastar architecture.

Eventually, Chrysler will launch a range of Pentastar V-6 engines with displacements ranging from 3.0- to 4.0-liters. Benefits of the architecture include reduced weight, emissions and manufacturing complexity. This latter element is one of the Pentastar’s greatest benefits, helping to reduce costs and improve Chrysler’s bottom line.
 
Additionally, more improvements could come further down the track with the addition of other fuel saving technologies such as direction injection and forced induction, and even dual clutch transmissions.   

Up to 13 different vehicles will eventually feature some variation of the Pentastar V-6. Next in line is the aforementioned Dodge Challenger muscle car, which will pack 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]